Just weeks ago, 17-year-old Ellie Villarrubia saw herself as a future neonatologist, engrossed in the care of newborn infants.

But after being exposed to nearly 60 medical specialities and the day-to-day responsibilities of hundreds of doctors, nurses, research scientists and other health care professionals, the St. Mary’s Dominican senior now finds herself increasingly open to the idea of becoming a surgeon.

    INDIANAPOLIS (CNS) –  Hands were raised in prayer and gospel music echoed in a large ballroom at the J.W. Marriott Hotel July 19 as some 2,500 attendees from across the country gathered for the start of the National Black Catholic Congress XI in Indianapolis.
   

    God’s choicest blessings sometimes come to us unsought, unrecognized and,  at first, unappreciated.
    That’s how it happened with us, Mohammad Jodah, a boy of Palestinian heritage, and me, a retired journalist whose ancestors came to America from half a dozen European countries.

Under an ordinance passed by the New Orleans City Council June 28, school zone hours in Orleans Parish have been extended for both the morning and afternoon drive times.

The longer school zone hours that will go into effect on the first day of the 2012-13 school year will be 7 to 9 a.m. and 2:45 to 4:45 p.m.